Our new Presiding Bishop and Primate, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts-Schori, has written a letter to Bishop Schofield of the Diocese of San Joaquin (essentially the Sacramento area of California). Schofield is urging his Diocese, gathering in Convention on December 1 & 2 to pass canons that would effectively remove the Diocese from the Episcopal Church. Schofield's stance is that he can no longer support the doctrine, discipline and worship of the Episcopal Church and he wishes to lead his diocese out the Church as a unit, hoping that another Anglican Bishop or Primate from outside the Episcopal Church would take on the whole diocese as a geographical unit. He is asking the Convention to violate a whole host of canons not to mention the constitution of the Episcopal Church.
The Primate's letter is respectful, pastorally sensitive and clear. There is no doubt about the choice before Schofield now. He can choose between integrity or he can choose schism and scandal.
Read the background here, including Bishop Schofield's letter to his diocese.
Jefferts-Schori has set out clear, healthy boundaries which is a breathe of fresh air. Read it here.
Also, by letting the rest of the Church into her correspondence, and not keeping this a private letter "in the club" she has also created a transparency and accountability which is also healthy for us all. This is a much needed counter-weight against the fear-mongering and obfuscation which has been at the heart of the tactics of the Network bishops and their allies.
Bravo!
2 comments:
A minor point: Sacramento is the see city of the Diocese of Northern California. The Diocese of San Joaquin encompasses Fresno, Bakersfield, and that area.
The major point: That is a *spectacular* letter. I'm beginning to see what the Bishops were up to when they elected her.
Oops! You are so right. Must consult map next time. Thanks! atg+
Post a Comment